01 July 2023

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has announced that work has begun on its Sharaan Resort and International Summit Centre project, coming up in the Saudi mountain region.

A joint venture between French engineering group Bouygues Construction and Saudi engineering firm Almabani is responsible for the construction work on the resort, which has been designed by French architect Jean Nouvel.

RCU said its Development and Construction unit is spearheading this project with consultation from Canadian firm WSP and with programme management support from Jasara, a Saudi firm.

The resort will be built directly into the mountains of Sharaan Nature Reserve and aims to meet ambitious sustainability goals for the construction phase and resort operations, it stated.

Bouygues Construction brings a unique combination of experience in tunnelling and construction of ultra-luxury hotels, both required for this complex development. For this project, RCU said it had held several consultations with some of the world’s top experts in mining and excavation to engineer solutions in line with the architectural vision.

Sharaan Resortt will offer 38 suites, a spa and wellness centre, kids club, sport centre, all-day dining restaurant and business centre. In addition, a signature fine-dining restaurant will sit atop the mountain with panoramic views of Sharaan. A unique glass elevator will connect the resort with a geologic and artistic experience, offering views of ancient sedimentary layers and niches filled with art and engravings.

RCU pointed out that once ready, the Sharaan International Summit Centre will host events and leaders from around the world “inside an adjacent mountain.”

The summit centre will boast 13 hospitality pavilions, while two private villas will be constructed nearby, thus bringing the total hospitality keys within the project to 53, it stated.

Discreet studies of the site have informed the design of passive strategies and natural geological heat transfer to efficiently cool the property in summer and provide warmth in winter. The project also aims for zero wastewater by using potable water only when needed and by recycling all treatable wastewater for irrigation and other purposes. 

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